Drawstring hat

ABSTRACT

A collapsible drawstring hat including a head engaging portion and a brim extending outwardly from the head engaging portion. A band is located about a periphery of the hat. The band defines a closed channel. A drawstring is located within the closed channel, opposed ends of the drawstring extending outwardly from the band, and is slidably received within the closed channel. The head engaging portion, the brim and the band are secured together to form a main hem line. Upon pulling the opposed end of the drawstring, at least a portion of the drawstring engages at least a portion of the main hem line which, in turn, collapses the brim.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/648,981 filed Feb. 1, 2005, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

Background of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to an improvement on an apparelitem, and more particularly, is concerned with a drawstring hat which isselectively positionable between a collapsed, stored position and anexpanded position designed for wearing.

The wearing of hats, especially by the female segment of the population,has been popular for many years. This popularity has lead to a widevariety of hats being available in numerous sizes and configurationswhich are primarily dictated by style preferences. In addition, certainhat designs are created from the stand point of functionality to theextent that certain hats are specifically designed to accomplishpurposes such as warmth, protection from the sun, etc.

One disadvantage associated with the design of various hat structures,is the storage of the hat without damaging it. When a person istraveling, either around or outside their home, there is no inherent wayto draw a hat closed. Thus, one has to experience the inconvenience ofdepositing their hat in an awkward manner or place, without the abilityto draw up, close and store the hat.

Some have strived to overcome this by developing foldable or collapsiblehats. One such hat comprises a rigid skeletal frame including a numberof “ribs”, generally made of wood and carrying a common fabric covering.The ribs are all connected at one end at a central pivot point, aboutwhich individual ribs of the frame can be “fanned” to cause the hat toassume a wearable orientation or a folded orientation, as desired. Inaddition, foldable hats have been developed which are formed of a clothmaterial and which utilize a flexible hoop structured to act as asupporting frame for the material defining the hat, which hoop may bemanipulated to cause the hat to assume what may be considered acollapsed position for storage. Another example of a foldable hat is onethat folds into itself. This hat generally includes a hem in a base of ahat band that prevents the hat from closing to a compact unit. The hatbrim is stuffed into the base and it becomes a pouch.

However, none of the structures known in the art for providing acollapsible or foldable hat satisfy certain styling demands. Many ofthese prior hats result in damage or disfigurement to the hat afterrepeating folding or collapsing of the hat. Accordingly, there is a needfor an improved hat structure which is selectively positionable betweena collapsed position for storage and an expanded position for wear,wherein the overall design and configuration of the hat meet certainmodern day styling requirements, and which does not damage or disfigurethe hat after repeatedly being collapsed. Any such improved hatstructure should also permit the hat to be easily carried from place toplace and conveniently stored in a briefcase, luggage, purse, pocket,tote or similar places of storage.

A need therefore exists not only for the convenient storage and depositof a hat but conversely for the ease and convenience of then having thehat to use opened in a moment's time. A drawstring hat which draws thehat from its original large size to a smaller, compact and convenientsize for storage would overcome the limitations of prior hats.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, a collapsible drawstring hatis provided.

More particularly, in accordance with this aspect of the presentinvention, a collapsible drawstring hat comprises a head engagingportion and a brim extending outwardly from the head engaging portion.The brim has a generally annular configuration which is at leastpartially defined by a central opening. As can be appreciated, the brimcan have other configurations. A band is located about an outerperiphery of the hat, the band defining a closed channel. A drawstringis located within the closed channel, opposed ends of the drawstringextending outwardly from the band. The drawstring is slidably receivedwithin the closed channel. The head engaging portion, the brim and theband are secured together to form a main hem line. Upon pulling theopposed ends of the drawstring, the drawstring at least partiallyengages the main hem line which, in turn, collapses the brim. Thecollapsed brim has a compact accordion conformation.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, acollapsible drawstring hat comprises a head engaging portion including acrown having an open bottom defining a peripheral edge around the openbottom and an interior. A brim has an outer peripheral edge attached atleast closely to or on the peripheral edge of the crown. A band extendssubstantially around the hat. The band includes first and second edgeslocated in the crown. The first and second edges are attached to theperipheral edge of the crown; however, this is not required. The outerband defines a closed channel. A drawstring is slidably received in theclosed channel, opposed ends of the drawstring extending outwardly fromfirst and second opposing apertures located on the outer band. A mainhem line is located in the crown. Typically, this main hem line islocated in the interior of the crown. The main hem line includes a baseline of stitching for attaching the respective edges of the crown, brimand band together. Upon pulling the opposed ends of the drawstring, thehat is drawn adjacent the main hem line which collapses the brim in asmooth and even fashion. The collapsed brim has a compact accordionconformation.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, acollapsible drawstring hat comprising a head engaging portion includinga crown having an open bottom defining a peripheral edge around the openbottom and an interior. The peripheral edge has an upwardly foldedregion extending into the crown interior. A brim extends outwardly fromthe head engaging portion. The brim has a generally annularconfiguration which is at least partially defined by a central openinghaving an outer peripheral edge. An outer band extends substantiallyaround the hat. The outer band defines a closed first channel andincludes first and second edges located in the interior of the crown,each first and second edges including an upwardly folded region. Atleast one of the upwardly folded regions defines an open second channelfor receiving the peripheral edge of the crown. A drawstring is slidablyreceived in the closed first channel. Opposed ends of the drawstringextend outwardly from first and second opposing apertures located on theouter band. A main hem line is located in the interior of the crown. Themain hem line secures the respective edges of the crown, brim and bandtogether, wherein upon pulling the opposed ends of the drawstring, themain hem line collapses thereby folding the brim in an accordion style.

Still other non-limiting benefits and/or aspects of the disclosure willbecome apparent from reading and understanding the description of thepreferred embodiments below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may take physical form in certain parts andarrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of which will be describedin detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings which form a part of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view illustrating a drawstring hat inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention togetherwith associated components thereof.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the drawstring hat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the drawstring hat takengenerally along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the drawstring hat of FIG. 1 in acollapsed position.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the drawstring hat of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view illustrating a drawstring hat inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawingsherein are merely illustrative and that various modifications andchanges can be made in the structures disclosed herein without departingform the spirit of the invention. Like numerals refer to like partsthroughout the several views. It will also be appreciated that thevarious identified components of the drawstring hat disclosed herein aremerely terms of art that may vary from one manufacturer to another andshould not be deemed to limit the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings illustrate theembodiments of the invention only and are not intended to limit same,FIGS. 1-5 show a drawstring hat 10 in accordance with a first embodimentof the present invention. The drawstring hat is structured to beselectively and repeatedly positioned in either an expanded position,for wearing as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or a collapsed or foldedposition, as represented in FIGS. 4 and 5. In the collapsed position,the hat can be conveniently carried, placed on a generally flat surface,or otherwise transported or stored.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the drawstring hat 10 generallycomprises a head engaging portion 12 and a brim 14 extending outwardlyfrom a bottom of the head engaging portion. The brim typically extendsabout the full periphery of the head engaging portion; however, this isnot required. The brim 14 can be of any shape or width, and in thedepicted embodiment, has an annular configuration which is at leastpartially defined by a central opening 16 and an outer, substantiallycircularly configured periphery 20.

The head engaging portion 12 includes a crown 24 and an outer band 26.The crown may be formed from a single piece of material or alternatelyfrom a plurality of panels, such as 32 and 34, which are securedtogether at their opposite, correspondingly positioned, longitudinalends 36. As will be described in greater detail below, an innermost,folded end portion or edge 40 of the crown is secured by way of a mainhem 46 having a base line of stitching about the circumference of thecentral opening 16 of the brim 14.

The outer band 26 is located about the full periphery of the headengaging portion 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer band 26 can be formedfrom a single piece of material which is folded onto itself. Peripheralend portions or edges 48 of the outer band material are folded upwardand are secured together by the main hem 46. Thus, the outer band 26defines a closed channel 50 extending around a majority or all of theperiphery of the crown 24. A portion of the channel typically extends onor below the main hem. As shown in FIG. 1, a section 60 of the outerband 26 is located at a back of the hat 10 includes first and secondopposing apertures 64, 66 from which is drawn a drawstring 70.

The drawstring 70 is slidably disposed within the channel 50 of theouter band 26, with the opposed ends of the drawstring extending fromthe first and second opposing apertures 64, 66. The drawstring has atleast a three-fold purpose and function. Not only does the drawstringdraw the hat closed but it can also be used to adjustably fit the headsize of the wearer. The drawstring also is configured to wrap aroundouter band 26 when closed (FIG. 4) and become secure (e.g., by tuckingends of the drawstring around the band (FIG. 5)). The drawstring can bemade from a single piece of material. In one non-limiting configuration,the drawstring is formed from a material that is first folded in twohalves, and then folded over and stitched. This construction produces adrawstring 70 comprising two double layers of fabric folded together,straight cut and topstitched to inhibit stretching of the drawstring. Tofurther secure the layers of the drawstring, the drawstring can be seweddown the middle. It should be appreciated that the drawstring is notlimited to the above generally flat configuration, and that otherconfigurations for the drawstring, such as a tubular construction, couldbe also be used. It should also be appreciated that the drawstring canbe pre-constructed into outer band 26.

With reference again to FIG. 3, the brim 14 is typically made ofmultiple layers of material with an inner layer 80 underlying an outerlayer 82; however, this is not required. It should be appreciated thatthe layers can be formed from a single piece of material folded ontoitself or from separate pieces of material. Located between the innerlayer and the outer layer is a layer of interfacing 84 which stabilizesand supports the brim. This interfacing material is a less flexiblematerial, and typically a heavier weight material than one or both oflayers 80, 82; however, this is not required. In the present invention,the interfacing is a heavyweight, washable and dry cleanable polyester,such as, but not limited to, a non-woven needlepoint polyester.Although, it should be appreciated that the interfacing can be made ofother suitable materials of sufficient weight to maintain the sturdyshape of the brim 14 and yet be flexible enough to allow the hat 10 tocompress, fold and close. As also can be appreciated, brim 14 can besolely formed from interfacing 84.

The inner and outer layers 80, 82, respectively, and the interfacing 84have first end portions or edges 90, 92, 94, respectively, locatedadjacent the end portions 48 of the outer band 26 and the folded endportion 40 of the crown 24. The main hem line 46 secures such endportions together. The inner and outer layers 80, 82 and the interfacing84 extend downwardly from the head engaging portion 12 and provide atriple brim thickness. The inner layer 80 and the interfacing 84 arefolded upwardly onto themselves about the lower edge 20 of the brim 14.The outer layer 82 is also folded upwardly, the folded portion 96 beinginterposed between the folded portion 98 of the inner layer and thefolded portion 100 of the interfacing. The lower edge 20 of the brim 14is stiffened by a single or double stitching 104, 106 thereby allowingthe brim to collapse.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, a lining 120 can be operableattached via a secondary line of stitching 122 along the inside of theend portion 90 of the inner layer 80 of the brim 14. As can beappreciated, lining 120 can be eliminated from the hat. The secondarystitching line is sewn at a predetermined distance, generally about⅜inch, from the main hem 46 to ensure that the lining will fit withinthe crown 24; however, other distances can be used. The lining providesa comfortable fit for the user. The secondary stitching line also servesas a reinforcing stitch for the hat 10. The lining can be made of anabsorbent material; however, this is not required. The secondarystitching line can extend through the end portions of the brim, theouter band 26 and the crown 24.

One non-limiting method of manufacturing the drawstring hat 10 will nowbe described. As indicated previously, the crown 24 may be formed from asingle piece of material or alternately from a plurality of panels whichare sewn together The entire peripheral end portion 40 of the crown istypically folded upward.

The outer band 26 is typically formed from a single piece of folded overmaterial. The end portions 48 of the band material are also typicallyfolded upward. The outer band is positioned around the peripheral endportion 40 of the crown. More particularly, folded end portion 40 can belocated in an open channel 130 formed by both folded end portions 48 anda surface 132 of the formed band 26 adjacent the outer surface 134 ofthe crown. The end portions 40, 48 are stitched together. This stitchingforms a base line of stitching. Thus, the outer band 26 is open andloose from the outer surface of the crown, a portion of the outer bandbeing located below the main hem line. The joined crown and outer bandare then stitched to the first end portions 90, 92, 94 of the brim. Thisstitching is along the base stitching line, which, in turn, forms themain hem 46. The drawstring is then threaded and drawn through the bandchannel 50 after the hat is completely sewn, opposing ends of thedrawstring extending through the apertures 64, 66 located at the back ofthe hat 10 and outer band 26. The apertures can be hemmed a reasonablelength for an aesthetic appearance and solid construction.

It should be appreciated that the above method of manufacture of thedrawstring hat 10 is not limiting and that alternative methods ofmanufacture are also contemplated. For example, the end portions 48 ofthe outer band 26 can be first sewn together, for example by merrowingor stitching, or adhesively connected together. The band can then besewn to the end portion 40 of the crown 24. This unit can then be sewnto the brim in the same manner described above. The outer band can bemade from a single piece of fabric unhemmed at top and unhemmed atbottom, both top and bottom finished in same or any manner. This band isonly attached to the crown. The outer band can also be formed from asingle piece of fabric which is doubled over so as to form an outsidecuff on the crown. In lieu of the continuous outer band, fabric loopsmay be attached to the crown into which is inserted the drawstring orother material which when drawn contracts and closes the hat. Thisconstitutes an outer open-weave band.

The main hem line 46 is one important component of the drawstring hat10. As indicated above, generally, the outer base 26 and the crown 24are sewn as a single unit to the brim 14. This process of further sewingas a unit onto the brim creates the main hem 46 having a base line ofstitching. The main hem allows the hat to be drawn into a compact unitfor storage. The baseline stitching may be reinforced, stitch on stitch,around the main hem line as desired. Thus, the main hem 46 is createdwith one baseline stitching or one baseline stitching which isreinforced.

In use, when the ends of the drawstring 70 are pulled together throughthe apertures 64, 66, the band contracts and the hat becomes compressedand closed. More particularly, when the hat is drawn adjacent the mainhem 46, the main hem interacts with the pull of the drawstring 70. This,in turn, causes the brim 14 to collapse in an accordion like, compactmanner. Because the main hem 46 is without further stitching, it doesnot bulge, which would result in the brim 14 spreading outward as itcollapses. The free and unhampered hem line allows the hat 10 to beclosed in a smooth and even fashion. When opened, the band 26 and crown24 revert to their original shape, maintaining their original form andmeasurement.

The head engaging portion 12, including the crown 24 and the outer band26, and the inner and outer layers 80, 82, respectively of the brim 14are formed from a flexible, soft, pliable material which may be silk,nylon, cotton, or a variety of other materials, including water proof orwater resistant materials, which are capable of being folded uponitself, ideally without creasing or otherwise creating fold linestherein. For example, the drawstring hat can be made from a denim/jeanfabric for year-round use, seersucker for warm weather and corduroy orwool for fall/winter. The selection of material can depend on theclimate of choice.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a drawstring hat 10′ accordingto the present invention. In this embodiment, a top portion 200 of anouter band 202 is stitched to a crown 208, thereby tacking down andclosing the top portion of the band. Similar to the previous embodiment,a drawstring 70′ will pull from apertures (not shown) at a back section214 of the band. This construction makes the drawstring hat appropriatefor year-round use and could also be suitable with rainwear fabric.Because the remaining structure and function of the drawstring hat 10′is substantially identical to that which was previously described, nofurther discussion relating to the structure and manner of usage andoperation of the drawstring hat will be provided.

As is evident from the present invention, the drawstring hat 10 providesa year-round hat, including a sunhat, that can be compressed and closedby its unique construction of the outer band 26 without a protruding hemon the outside or inside. The outer band is flat, the main hem line 46is drawn into the interior and can be covered with the lining 120. Thesize of the hat is infinitely adjustable to nearly any head size becausethe size is adjusted continuously by use of the drawstring 70. Onceclosed, the drawstring 70 may then be wrapped and tucked into the outerband. The closed unit can be stored in a briefcase, luggage, purse,pocket, tote or similar places of storage. The hat unfolds readily toits original full size again when opened for wearing.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. Also thatvarious presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives,modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequentlymade by those skilled in the art which are also intended to beencompassed by the following claims, or the equivalents thereof.

1. A collapsible drawstring hat comprising: a head engaging portion; abrim extending outwardly from the head engaging portion, the brim havinga generally annular configuration which is at least partially defined bya central opening; a band located about a periphery of the hat, the banddefining a closed channel; and a drawstring located within the closedchannel, opposed ends of the drawstring extending outwardly from theband, the drawstring being slidably received within the closed channel;wherein the head engaging portion, the brim and the band are securedtogether to form a main hem line, wherein upon pulling the opposed endsof the drawstring, at least a portion of the drawstring engages at leasta portion of the main hem line which, in turn, collapses the brim, thecollapsed brim having a compact accordion conformation.
 2. The hat ofclaim 1, wherein the head engaging portion includes a crown having agenerally hemispherical shape having an open bottom.
 3. The hat of claim1, wherein an end portion of the head engaging portion includes anupwardly folded section.
 4. The hat of claim 1, wherein an end portionof the band includes an upwardly folded section defining an open channelfor receiving the head engaging portion.
 5. The hat of claim 1, whereinthe band is formed of a single piece of folded over material, the foldedmaterial having a folded edge spaced from the end portion of the band.6. The hat of claim 5, wherein the folded edge of the band is attachedto the crown.
 7. The hat of claim 1, wherein the brim includes a layerof interfacing which stabilizes and supports the brim.
 8. The hat ofclaim 1, wherein the main hem line includes a base line of stitching. 9.The hat of claim 8, wherein the base line of stitching is reinforced.10. The hat of claim 1, including a head lining attached to at least anend portion of the brim.
 11. A collapsible drawstring hat comprising: ahead engaging portion including a crown having an open bottom defining aperipheral edge around the open bottom and an interior; a generallyannular brim having an outer peripheral edge attached to the peripheraledge of the crown; an outer band extending substantially around the hat,the outer band including first and second edges located in the crown,the first and second edges being attached to the peripheral edge of thecrown, the outer band defining a closed channel; a drawstring slidablyreceived in the closed channel, opposed ends of the drawstring extendingoutwardly from first and second opposing apertures located on the outerband; and, a main hem line located in the crown, the main hem lineincluding a base line of stitching for attaching the respective edges ofthe crown, brim and band together, wherein upon pulling the opposed endsof the drawstring, the hat is drawn adjacent the main hem line whichcollapses the brim in a smooth and even fashion, the collapsed brimhaving a compact accordion conformation.
 12. The hat of claim 11,wherein the peripheral edge of the crown includes an upwardly foldedsection.
 13. The hat of claim 11, at least one of the first and secondedges of the band includes an upwardly folded section defining an openchannel for receiving the peripheral edge of the crown.
 14. The hat ofclaim 11, wherein a portion of the channel extends below the main hemline thereby allowing the drawstring to engage the main hem line.
 15. Acollapsible drawstring hat comprising: a head engaging portion includinga crown having an open bottom defining a peripheral edge around the openbottom and an interior, the peripheral edge having an upwardly foldedregion extending into the crown interior; a brim extending outwardlyfrom the head engaging portion, the brim having a generally annularconfiguration which is at least partially defined by a central openinghaving an outer peripheral edge; an outer band extending substantiallyaround the hat, the outer band defining a closed first channel andincluding first and second edges located in the interior of the crown,each first and second edges including an upwardly folded region, atleast one of the upwardly folded regions defining an open second channelfor receiving the peripheral edge of the crown; a drawstring slidablyreceived in the closed first channel, opposed ends of the drawstringextending outwardly from first and second opposing apertures located onthe outer band; and, a main hem line located in the interior of thecrown, the main hem line securing the respective edges of the crown,brim and band together, wherein upon pulling the opposed ends of thedrawstring, the main hem line collapses thereby folding the brim in anaccordion style.
 16. The hat of claim 15, wherein the main hem lineincludes a base line of stitching.
 17. The hat of claim 16, wherein thebase line of stitching is reinforced.